When I train boxing, I keep my fist vertical when I throw a hook.Elbow in, fist vertical, with my palm facing in.Having my fist horizontal, palm down with my elbow flared out puts too much strain on my shoulder when I make contact, and it's easier for my opponent to see it coming if my elbow were to flare out.I think that boxing and karate punches are both good depending on the situation you're in, and I train both.In a fight or sparring situation, I prefer to keep my hands up and distance properly to avoid kicks. Since I'm usually at a reach disadvantage, I look to get inside by slipping punches and countering. I stay outside of their kicking range until the kick passes, then go inside, or block the kick before it starts if I see it coming, and strike before he regains his footing.

I think that boxing and karate punches are both good depending on the situation you're in, and I train both.

The so called 'boxing punch' is, and has always been, part of the karate curriculum. (E.g. mawashi-zuki, ura-age-zuki, kizami-zuki.) The only reason I can think of why the focus of training in most karate schools is on the choku-zuki/straight punch, is because it is the most unnatural of the two types described by the OP. By unnatural I mean, it is a motion that doesn't come natural to most people, and thus needs the most attention in training.

Maybe the best way to differentiate between the 'karate' and 'boxing' punch is based on the mechanics; the first being a delivery method of force from the hip (+ lower shoulder muscles), the later being a delivery method more from the upper shoulder. They certainly aren't differentiated based on the guard (position of execution), since that isn't static. It's up to the fighter, what they find suitable at the moment, what kind of guard they keep.(At least not in my book.)

In Aikido class when it is my turn to be Nage I stand, knees slightly flexed, with my arms and hands hanging relaxed. That way I can see Uke's feet and can judge when where and how he will attack. Sensei has never corrected me on it.

In Aikido class when it is my turn to be Nage I stand, knees slightly flexed, with my arms and hands hanging relaxed. That way I can see Uke's feet and can judge when where and how he will attack. Sensei has never corrected me on it.

I attended an Aikido Class for about a year and I was always having my "Guard" corrected as my stance etc was of a Boxer's stance and not that of a Budoka. Only thing I found from Aikido was that no one was taught how to Punch or Kick "correctly" so therefore a few of the attacks if done the way I was taught "didn't" work unless I 'stepped forward' etc.

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A man is but the product of his thoughts what he thinks, he becomes.

Originally Posted By: iaibear<<In Aikido class when it is my turn to be Nage I stand, knees slightly flexed, with my arms and hands hanging relaxed. That way I can see Uke's feet and can judge when where and how he will attack. Sensei has never corrected me on it.>>

Spent a glorious time in a recent class doing tsuki kotegaeshi and dumped Uke every time. If you know when and how "he" is coming, it can be very easy to blend with "his" attack and mis-direct "him" to the mat without leaving yourself open at all. But if your hands are in the way in some "high guard", it spoils the view.

I think that boxing and karate punches are both good depending on the situation you're in, and I train both.

The so called 'boxing punch' is, and has always been, part of the karate curriculum. (E.g. mawashi-zuki, ura-age-zuki, kizami-zuki.) The only reason I can think of why the focus of training in most karate schools is on the choku-zuki/straight punch, is because it is the most unnatural of the two types described by the OP. By unnatural I mean, it is a motion that doesn't come natural to most people, and thus needs the most attention in training.

Maybe the best way to differentiate between the 'karate' and 'boxing' punch is based on the mechanics; the first being a delivery method of force from the hip (+ lower shoulder muscles), the later being a delivery method more from the upper shoulder. They certainly aren't differentiated based on the guard (position of execution), since that isn't static. It's up to the fighter, what they find suitable at the moment, what kind of guard they keep.(At least not in my book.)

I know nothing about karate,but i wouldn't say a boxing style punch comes from the shoulder.